Today was one of those days that make’s us understand why we choose to pursue such a hobby.  Whether you enjoy birds for their beauty, their presence or their character, the fact you get to be outside whilst doing it makes it even more satisfying. The good weather got people out in their droves and sightings poured in from around the harbour as a consequence. So much was reported that I’m just going to write a list!

Amazingly the Great White Egret that was reported last week seems to be hanging around as it was sighted today over Swineham. From the RSPB Birdboat the following birds were seen out on the water Surf Scoter, 7+ Great Northern Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 6+ Black-necked Grebe, 20+ Goldeneye, 80+ Red-breasted Merganser, 30+ Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe and a Guillemot. On the Brownsea Lagoon a Merlin took a Dunlin, also present 30 Knot, 800 Black-tailed Godwit, 100+ Bar-tailed Godwit, 300+ Avocet, 800+ Dunlin, 7 Spotted Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 100+ Grey Plover, 12 Turnstone, 1 Spoonbill, 5 Snipe and 100 Oystercatcher. A Firecrest was near the church and Siskin were present in the Alders that lead down to the Mac Hide. At Arne 22 Spoonbill were at Shipstal, 4 Sandwich Tern were in Arne Bay, 2 Hen Harrier and 3 Marsh Harrier were in Middlebere.  At Lytchett Bay the Smew was still present along with 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Little Grebe. 2 Chiffchaff were caught at a ringing site, one a new individual, the other a pre-ringed bird from January 2013 proving winter site fidelity. A Guillemot was off Poole Quay. The harbours supporting cast of Brent Geese, Teal, Wigeon, Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Common Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Cormorant and Shelduck were all out in force too.